With the economy looking up and the housing market bouncing back, many homeowners are looking to purchase a second home, either for personal use, or as a source of rental or investment income. The Huffington Post travel editors recently compiled a list of the ten best places to buy a vacation home, and both Destin and Panama City made the list at numbers 5 and 8 respectively. According to travel and investment editors, ease of travel, amenities, attractions, and the conditions of the beach all play a part in the

While most of the country is living in “sweater” weather, temperatures in Destin and along 30A are still very warm, with averages nearing 80 on a daily basis. For local and visiting “fashionistas”, summer-like temperatures present a specific fashion and wardrobe challenge such as, how to be on trend for the season without melting. While many fashion magazines offer advice about getting the most out of your summer wardrobe, very few give suggestions about wearing your fall wardrobe during warmer weather. Since Destin is home to one of the country’s

Although a number of local stores have been displaying Halloween costumes since early September, most people waited until this weekend to set up their holiday decorations. Witches, ghosts, and black cats are popular; but nothing beats the pumpkin, or more specifically, the jack-o-lantern, when it comes to Halloween. With respect to Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang, two local churches may have the “most sincere” pumpkin patches, if you’re looking for a little pumpkin-related fun. For the tenth year, Mary Esther United Methodist Church will operate a pumpkin

On Saturday, November 2, The Live Oak Landing Destination in Freeport is the site of the annual Explore The Outdoors Festival, a one day celebration designed to introduce children and their families to all the great experiences the outdoors has to offer. Open from 10:00-2:00, there will be interactive exhibits, hands-on outdoor activities and instruction, and crafts.  Exhibitors include the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, the Audubon Society, and the Northwest Florida Astronomy. The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance will also have a touch tank for

This weekend, kids in costume get free admission to The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park’s Splash or Treat Spectacular. During regular park hours, kids and their families can enjoy trick or treating throughout the park, a costume parade, a scavenger hunt, fun house, face painting, and crafts. The costume parade begins at 1:00, and prizes will be awarded for Funniest Costume, Best Green costume- a costume created by objects found around the house, and Best Group Costume. The schedule of events for the weekend: Saturday, October 26, 9:00 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.

The Destin Seafood Festival may have been cancelled due to bad weather, but this weekend’s forecast looks fantastic for the 37th Annual Mullet Festival. Hosted by the city of Niceville, the Mullet Festival celebrates this humble but important fish with three days of food, fun, and music. Beginning Friday, October 18, and running through Sunday, this year’s festival promises some big name headliners as well as a glimpse of some of country music’s most promising talent. Local, regional, and emerging talent takes center stage Friday night and all day Saturday,

It’s football season, and for many Emerald Coast residents and visitors, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. If you’re looking for a place to watch the big game, there are a number of sports bars and restaurants that offer game day specials and plenty of fun. The Emerald Coast Auburn Club meets at Fisherman’s Wharf on Destin’s Historic Harbor every Saturday for Games. This should be fun both the Gator and Seminole Clubs of The Emerald Coast meet at Harry’s on game days! The Sago Sports Bar and

Let’s be honest—packing for a day at the beach is, quite frankly, no day at the beach. If you have small children, you can multiply the gear you need to pack for a few hours playing in the sand and sun by ten. From pails and shovels, to sunscreen and towels, to boogie boards and snacks, you’ll be packing and toting a lot of things to and from your beach house every day. Calling Five Star’s Concierge can help make packing for your beach day easier. Our professional staff will

Haloween activities along the emerald coast’s October, and that means Halloween festivities are in full swing along the Emerald Coast. From corn mazes and pumpkin patches, to haunted houses and parades, there is a “spooktacular” activity for everyone. Here is a round-up of some of the best: The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge hosts their 8th Annual Haunted House on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, October 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 31, November 1-2. Admission is $9.00 and is NOT recommended for small children. HOWL-O-WEEN Pet Parade and Costume Contest benefitting Alaqua Animal Refuge

The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation will take full advantage of the organization’s new home on October 26-27th, when the 18th Annual Festival of the Arts moves to the Village Green. More than 100 artists and artisans will be on hand for this two-day celebration of the visual arts. Recognized as one of the Southeast’s premier arts shows, the Festival of the Arts highlights the work of both national and regional artists. There’s art for every budget and style, with artists working in the media of acrylic, clay, collage, glass, jewelry,

Emerald Coast Magazine celebrates the “Best of The Emerald Coast”, Saturday, October 19, at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach. Earlier this summer, Emerald Coast Magazine readers, Facebook fans and Twitter followers had the opportunity to vote for their favorite restaurants, attractions, and service providers. The “Best of The Emerald Coast Readers Choice Awards” showcases some of the reasons locals love to live here and visitors flock to our beautiful beaches every year. As you can imagine, just about every possible category is represented – from best brunch, to most romantic

While the Destin Seafood Festival may have been “Hurricaned” out in October, seafood lovers don’t have to wait too long to experience fresh, Gulf Coast seafood in a festival atmosphere. The 50th Annual Florida Seafood Festival kicks off November 1 in the historic Panhandle town of Apalachicola in scenic Franklin County. This two-day festival celebrates the freshest in Florida seafood, paying special attention to the world famous Apalachicola Oyster. In addition to the food and music, there will be plenty of family fun, including an Oyster Eating Contest, an Oyster